Category Archives: Parents

Downpatrick Neuro Café – Friday 27 February 2026

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Join us for an information and support event for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD and those awaiting assessment.

The event will include;

  • Information stalls with representatives from statutory and community organisations
  • Interactive workshops for parents/ carers will be available on a first come, first served basis
  • Light refreshments 

 

Poster for the “Downpatrick Neuro Café” event organized by South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, FFP Down CIC, and CYPSP. The background is blue with illustrations of diverse people in vibrant colors. The main heading reads “Downpatrick Neuro Café.” Subheading invites parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD, and those awaiting assessment, to an information and support event. Details include:Event features: Information stalls with representatives from statutory and community organizations, interactive workshops for parents/carers (first come, first served), and light refreshments. Date and time: Friday 27 February 2026, 10 am – 12 noon. Location: SERC Downpatrick Campus, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6ND. Contact numbers for Niall (07971 334 537) and Noelle (07872 422 101) are provided. Footer notes that the event is facilitated by South Eastern HSC Trust’s Health Development Service in partnership with the Primary Care MDT Social Work Service

Poster for the “Downpatrick Neuro Café” event organized by South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, FFP Down CIC, and CYPSP. The background is blue with illustrations of diverse people in vibrant colors. The main heading reads “Downpatrick Neuro Café.” Subheading invites parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD, and those awaiting assessment, to an information and support event. Details include: Event features: Information stalls with representatives from statutory and community organizations, interactive workshops for parents/carers (first come, first served), and light refreshments. Date and time: Friday 27 February 2026, 10 am – 12 noon. Location: SERC Downpatrick Campus, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6ND. Contact numbers for Niall (07971 334 537) and Noelle (07872 422 101) are provided. Footer notes that the event is facilitated by South Eastern HSC Trust’s Health Development Service in partnership with the Primary Care MDT Social Work Service

Have A Ho-Ho-Healthier Holiday Season

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At Christmas we’re often surrounded by so much delicious food and drink…festive fries, boxes of chocolates and cheeseboards galore! You can absolutely still enjoy the festive period without overdoing it. 

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

Some tips to try:

  • Realistic – trying to make healthier choices 80% of the time is more realistic and allows space for enjoying some of your favourite festive foods.
  • Usual routine – stick to your usual eating and activity routines when you can.
  • Drink plenty of water – stay well hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid daily.
  • Outside – research shows that just 5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation so why not try to fit in some lunchtime steps.
  • Limit alcohol – if you drink alcohol try to stick within the limits of 14 units per week with a few alcohol-free days each week.
  • Portion control – it’s totally OK to enjoy your favourite festive treats but just think about how much and how often you’re having them. For example, 3 chocolates = ~130 calories, 10 sweets = ~430 calories – that’s a difference of 300 calories!
  • Habit stack – add some healthy habits onto things you already do. For example, do a few squats while you wait for the kettle to boil or add an extra piece of fruit as a snack.

Find out more top tips from our Public Health Dietitians in this short video.

Scan the QR code or click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/u_8Upqynyq4?si=EZQekFLF1Q_okFZM

 

 

Tis’ the Season for Using Your Slow Cooker!

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Slow cooking has become a popular cooking method due to its minimal effort and energy-savings. Find out our top tips for making the most of your slow cooker in this short video.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/J5nQW9LSknQ

 

 

Winter Warmer Recipes

As temperatures continue to cool, we look to our food to heat us up.  Our YouTube channel has simple step-by-step recipe videos for lots of easy and tasty meals.

Slow Cooker Potato & Leek Soup https://youtu.be/Xa3aZJHS7i0?si=wSt9NaVF6o3c-VRH

Chicken Curry https://youtu.be/WSpPYWlM50Q?si=zmiTv9B7T0W1cCG_

Fish Pie https://youtu.be/NQ1JYvZhZtU?si=n3BjUsfJ-4VSb4hz

 

There are lots more recipes on our YouTube channel so check it out if you are looking for tasty but healthy dinner inspiration on the run up to Christmas!

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

 

Mencap Parents and Tots Group in Derry/ Londonderry

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Join Mencap for the launch of their new Parents and Tots group in Derry/ Londonderry. If you are a parent of a child aged 0-5 with developmental delay come and join the group!

To register your interest contact Mencap: familysupport@mencap.org.uk  

 

Promotional flyer for Mencap NI Family Support announcing Parents and Tots sessions in Derry for parents of children aged 0–5 with developmental delay. Event details:When: Tuesday 25th November and 16th December, 10:00am – 12:00pm Where: Shantallow Community Centre, 38 Drumleck Drive, Derry, BT48 8EN Contact to register interest: familysupport@mencap.org.uk. Design features a purple and pink color scheme with the Mencap NI logo at the top and an image of two young children sitting together at the bottom.

Promotional flyer for Mencap NI Family Support announcing Parents and Tots sessions in Derry for parents of children aged 0–5 with developmental delay. Event details: When: Tuesday 25th November and 16th December, 10:00am – 12:00pm Where: Shantallow Community Centre, 38 Drumleck Drive, Derry, BT48 8EN Contact to register interest: familysupport@mencap.org.uk. Design features a purple and pink color scheme with the Mencap NI logo at the top and an image of two young children sitting together at the bottom.

Promotional flyer for Mencap NI Family Support announcing the launch of a new Parents and Tots group in Derry/Londonderry for parents of children aged 0–5 with developmental delay. The flyer includes event details:When: Wednesday 19th November, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: St Columb’s Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6JY It also provides contact information to register interest: familysupport@mencap.org.uk. The design features a purple and pink color scheme with the Mencap NI logo at the top and an image of two young children sitting together at the bottom.

Promotional flyer for Mencap NI Family Support announcing the launch of a new Parents and Tots group in Derry/Londonderry for parents of children aged 0–5 with developmental delay. The flyer includes event details: When: Wednesday 19th November, 10:00am – 12:30pm Where: St Columb’s Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6JY It also provides contact information to register interest: familysupport@mencap.org.uk. The design features a purple and pink color scheme with the Mencap NI logo at the top and an image of two young children sitting together at the bottom.

Family Support Services Survey

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Focusing on families is your chance to share your views and ideas on improving family support services in Northern Ireland. 

This survey will inform the family support strategy in Northern Ireland, and we want to hear the views of children, young people and parents/carers as well as practitioners. This short, anonymous survey covers five key areas:

  • Purpose of family support services
  • Core values
  • Most valued types of support
  • Future service models
  • Making a difference to families

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FocusingonFamilies25

Poster with hands holding cut out picture of 4 people, text and QR code

Poster with hands holding cut out picture of 4 people, text and QR code

Children and Family Charter – Tell us what you think

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We want to create a Children and Family Charter for Northern Ireland to help children, young people and families understand their rights, know what to expect from services and support staff to work in the best way for them. 

The model for the Children and Family Charter is based on four key parts:

  • Standards
  • Support
  • Share
  • Speak up

By taking part in the survey, young people can help shape how the Charter is made and shared.

Questions? Email: info@statsandstories.co.uk 

This consultation is open to anyone who may have a view — including children, young people, parents, carers, staff, professionals, and policymakers.
We particularly encourage you to share this with children, young people, and parents/carers.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChildrenandFamilyCharterMay25

 

Image with red colour background, children drawing on a chalk board and text with QR code to scan.

Image with red colour background, children drawing on a chalk board and text with QR code to scan.